Interest-free Student Loans Available to Teachers, Nurses and Guard Personnel

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Teachers, nurses and members of the Alabama National Guard are now eligible for interest-free student loans under a new program announced today by the governor.

Bob Riley hopes the program will help retain and recruit individuals for all three professions. Currently, there is a shortage of teachers and nurses statewide. He said last year, the Guard experienced its best recruiting efforts in five years, but retention remains a problem.

The interest-free loan program will be managed through the Alabama Loan College Program, a non-profit lender.

The loans are available to educators and nurses who hold valid certificates from the state Department of Education and Board of Nursing, respectively. Guard personnel called to active duty since September 2001, and their spouses and dependents also can sign up for the interest-free loans.

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